About the job
Authors and writers plan, research and write books, scripts, storyboards, plays, essays, speeches, manuals, specifications and other non-journalistic articles for publication or presentation. They are employed by advertising agencies, governments, large corporations, private consulting firms, publishing firms, multimedia/new-media companies and other establishments, or they may be self-employed.
- Novelists, playwrights, script writers, poets, and other creative writers conceive and write novels, plays, scripts, poetry and other material for publication or presentation. They may conduct research to establish factual content and to obtain other necessary information.
- Technical writers analyze material, such as specifications, notes and drawings and write manuals, user guides and other documents to explain clearly and concisely the installation, operation and maintenance of software and electronic, mechanical and other equipment.
- Copywriters study and determine selling features of products and services and write text for advertisements and commercials.
Authors and writers may specialize in a particular subject or type of writing.
- advertising copywriter
- author
- multimedia writer
- playwright
- poet
- publicity writer
- screen writer
- script and dialogue writer
- technical writer
- writer
You should be organized, resourceful, and creative. A critical mind, excellent writing ability, and language skills are also necessary. At times, writing requires patience, self-discipline, and perseverance. Strong keyboarding and word processing skills are a definite asset.
- Technical writers usually require a university degree in the area of specialization, such as computer science or engineering.
- Copywriters usually require a university degree or college diploma in French, English, marketing, advertising or another discipline.
- Creative writing programs are offered by universities and colleges.
- Membership in a guild or union related to the job may be required.
Both part-time employment and self-employment are relatively common for this group. Some people in these jobs work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends. Talent and ability, as demonstrated by a portfolio of work, are important hiring criteria.
Labour Market Information
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a moderate sized occupation in Nova Scotia, with employment around 600. The number employed in this occupation is expected to grow moderately over the next few years, which will likely provide some additional opportunities for employment. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Authors and Writers may either be working full-time or part-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs may either be permanent or temporary positions, as both are common. Also, a large percentage of the workforce is self-employed which should be an important consideration for those thinking about employment in the occupation.
The median employment income for 46% of Authors and Writers who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $48,246. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Occupation | Estimated employment in 2018 | Estimated change in employment between 2017 and 2019 | Estimated openings due to growth and retirements, 2017-2019 | Estimated rate of unemployment in 2018 | Estimated hourly earnings in 2015 (learn more) | Estimated annual earnings in 2015 |
Authors and Writers | 635 | Moderate growth | 45 | Low | Minimum: N/A Median: N/A Maximum: N/A | Minimum: $-498 Median: $19,623 Maximum: $74,645 |
Occupations in Arts, Culture, Recreation and Sport | 11,000 | Moderate growth | 735 | Moderate | Minimum: $10.81 Median: $16.00 Maximum: $31.00 | Minimum: $945 Median: $11,712 Maximum: $60,447 |
Authors and Writers | Compared to: Occupations in Arts, Culture, Recreation and Sport | |
Percent employed full-time | 62% | 59% |
Percent self-employed | 64% | 33% |
Area of Employment | Authors and Writers | Compared to: All NS Occupations | ||
% Employed | Median Annual Income | % Employed | Median Annual Income | |
Southern | 7% | x | 12% | $30,581 |
Northern | 17% | x | 16% | $33,660 |
Cape Breton | 6% | x | 13% | $32,974 |
Halifax | 60% | $40,569 | 47% | $41,209 |
Annapolis Valley | 11% | x | 13% | $32,958 |

Age | Authors and Writers | Compared to: All Arts, Culture, Recreation and Sport |
% Employed | % Employed | |
15-24 | 5% | N/A |
25-34 | 23% | 13% |
35-44 | 20% | 44% |
45-54 | 15% | 35% |
55-64 | 10% | 8% |
65+ | 33% | 4% |
Median Age | 52 | 38 |

Gender | Authors and Writers | Compared to: Occupations in Arts, Culture, Recreation and Sport |
% Employed | % Employed | |
Female | 59% | 56% |
Male | 41% | 44% |
Education | Authors and Writers | Compared to: All Arts, Culture, Recreation and Sport | ||
% Employed | Median Annual Income | % Employed | Median Annual Income | |
Less than high school | x | x | 10.2% | $2,298 |
High school | 9.9% | $25,596 | 26.2% | $7,127 |
Trades certificate | 2.5% | x | 3.6% | $13,575 |
College certificate or diploma | 16.5% | $36,629 | 20.3% | $20,158 |
University certificate or diploma | x | x | 1.7% | $20,801 |
Bachelor's degree | 48.8% | $32,424 | 27.5% | $19,705 |
University advanced certificate or diploma | 3.3% | $14,899 | 1.5% | $18,274 |
Master's degree | x | $16,571 | 8.0% | x |
Doctorate | 11.6% | $1,857 | 1.0% | $30,975 |
Medicine, dentistry, veterinary, optometry | 6.6% | x | 0.1% | $11,741 |
Total | 100% | 100% |
Hourly earnings data are from the Labour Force Survey by Statistics Canada. Data are not available for all occupations. Hourly earnings are calculated based on usual hours worked per week. This is how an annual salary, for instance, gets converted to an hourly rate. The data include full and part-time workers along with new and experienced workers. Self-employed workers are excluded.
Annual employment income data reported in the Work Prospects section, are from the 2011 National Household Survey by Statistics Canada. Much of the data (around 70%) came directly from tax records. The data relates to the year 2010 and includes total wages and salaries and net income from self-employment.
Employment Requirements & Contacts
Training Paths & Education
This instructional program class comprises any general program that focuses on the literary culture of the ancient Graeco-Roman world and the Greek and Latin languages and literatures and their development prior to the fall of the Roman Empire.
This instructional program class comprises any program that focuses on the comprehensive study of communication, and that spans the study of mass communication/media studies, old and new media technologies, social and political applications, and speech communication and rhetoric. These programs include courses in interpersonal, group, organizational, and intercultural communication; theories of communication; critical thinking, argumentation, and persuasion; written communication; printed, electronic, and digital media; rhetorical tradition and criticism; media, society, and culture; consequences and effects of mass media; media social science and criticism; and quantitative and qualitative methods of inquiry.
This instructional program class comprises any program that focuses on the process and techniques of original composition in various literary forms such as the short story, poetry, the novel, and others. These programs include courses in technical and editorial skills, criticism, and the marketing of finished manuscripts.
This instructional program class comprises any general program that focuses on the English language, including its history, structure and related communications skills; and the literature and culture of English-speaking peoples.
This instructional program class comprises any general program that focuses on the English language, including its history, structure and related communications skills; and the literature and culture of English-speaking peoples.
This instructional program class comprises any general program that focuses on the French language, including its history, structure and related communications skills; and the literature and culture of French-speaking peoples.
This instructional program class comprises any program that focuses on the communication of technical and scientific knowledge to a variety of audiences through print, video, and digital media; and that prepares individuals to function as technical writers and editors, documentation developers, web designers, and usability specialists. These programs include courses in scientific and technical writing and editing, graphic and information design, web design, audience analysis, document usability and field testing, publications management, and applications to specific technical fields.
There are no additional resources for this occupation.